Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important for elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the effects of pain medicines. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).
It is very important that you understand the rules of the Opioid Analgesic REMS program to prevent addiction, abuse, and misuse of hydromorphone. This medicine should also come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
If you are using the extended-release capsules or extended-release tablets:
- Hydromorphone extended-release capsules or extended-release tablets are for use in opioid-tolerant patients only. If you are uncertain whether or not you are opioid-tolerant, check with your doctor before using this medicine.
- Take this medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
- Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, chew, dissolve, snort, or inject it.
- While taking this medicine, part of the extended-release tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
Exalgo® extended-release tablets works differently than hydromorphone tablets, even at the same dose (number of milligrams). Do not switch from the extended-release tablets to the immediate-release tablets unless your doctor tells you to.
Be careful not to handle crushed or broken tablets. If you have contact with broken or crushed tablets or spilled oral liquid, wash your skin or the affected areas with soap and water right away.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For patients switching from other narcotic medicines:
- Adults—The capsule is given once a day. Your first dose will depend on the amount of the other narcotic you have been taking. Your doctor will determine your dose and adjust the dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For patients switching from other narcotic medicines:
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For patients switching from regular hydromorphone forms:
- Adults—The tablet is given once a day. The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day is the same as the total amount of regular hydromorphone that is taken per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For patients switching from other narcotic medicines:
- Adults—The tablet is given once a day. Your first dose will depend on the amount of the other narcotic you have been taking. Your doctor will determine your dose and adjust the dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For patients switching from regular hydromorphone forms:
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage form (solution):
- For pain:
- Adults—At first, 2.5 to 10 milliliters (mL) every 3 to 6 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For pain:
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For pain:
- Adults—At first, 2 to 4 milligrams (mg) every 4 to 6 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For pain:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Hydromorphone can cause serious unwanted effects or fatal overdose if taken by children, pets, or adults who are not used to strong narcotic pain medicines. Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure place to prevent others from getting it.
Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm
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- Before Using
- Precautions
Portions of this document last updated: Aug. 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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